The nominations have been announced for the National Reality Television Awards 2012.

Lembit Opik MP read the list at Shaka Zulu in Camden, London and voting started today at 1pm on the awards' official website.

Dragon's Den star Peter Jones and winner of last year's 'Reality TV Personality of the Year' said: "The National Reality TV Awards are authentic and just what the industry needs.

"It is the first awards ceremony of its kind to finally redefine the whole reality TV industry into genres and the fact that millions of TV viewers are in charge in determining the outcome only adds to its credibility."

The Only Way Is Essex is up against Made In Chelsea, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and others in the 'Best Entertainment Show' category.

Gary Barlow is the sole X Factor representative in the 'Best Judge' category, while will.i.am and Danny O'Donoghue from The Voice are also in contention, as are Britain's Got Talent's Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, among others.

Holly Willoughby competes against her Voice colleague Reggie Yates for 'Best TV Presenter', a category which also includes Paddy McGuinness, Noel Edmonds, Brian Dowling, Christine Bleakley and more.

Charities which will benefit from the awards include Help for Heroes, Shelter and DCT (Diamond Children's Trust).